Global Microsoft closure means 400m computers to stop working properly
WHAT A E-WASTE
Not everyone can upgrade with the simple tap of a button
Millie Turner , Senior Technology & Science Reporter Published : 7:30, 10 May 2025
MILLIONS of computers will soon be at risk of unfixable glitches and bugs that could render laptops and PCs unusable.
Gadget owners will need to act soon to keep their PCs and data safe from a cyber attack as Microsoft plans to wind down a key service.
3 Fortunately, 500million PCs currently running on Windows 10 software can upgrade to Windows 11 Credit: Getty
The tech giant has warned it will be ending support for Windows 10 software on 14 October 2025.
Roughly 900million computer owners are set to be affected.
But it will be the beginning of the end for roughly 400million PCs.
"After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10," Microsoft writes in a help page on its website.
"Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
"Windows 11 offers a modern and efficient experience designed to meet current demands for heightened security."
Fortunately, 500million PCs currently running on Windows 10 software can upgrade to Windows 11.
Last year, it was revealed that around 130million Windows 10 users had switched to Windows 11 as part of the transition.
But not everyone can upgrade with the simple tap of a button.
Some PCs simply cannot run Windows 11. Early Skype ads reveal the 'magic' of app as Microsoft vows to shut it down forever
Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, meaning PCs built in 2008 or earlier won't be able to support it.
You can check if your Windows 10 PC is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 by selecting the Start button, then going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
If the option for Windows 11 appears, then you're in luck.
But if not, then it may be time to consider buying a new PC.
3 Millions of PCs could soon become e-waste in landfills Credit: Getty
Campaigners have warned that millions of people will have to chuck out their old gadgets in favour of something newer.
Microsoft has allowed individuals to extend support for Windows 10 for a fee, following a campaign by p ublic interest advocacy group PIRG last year.
"In one year, Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10," they wrote in October , "potentially rendering up to 400million computers obsolete overnight."
The group added: "This decision could trigger the single largest surge in junked computers in history, with dire consequences for both consumers and the environment ."
It's not just a landfill issue, campaigners have warned, but a security one.
With no support from Microsoft, any bugs and glitches that arise in Windows 10 will not be fixed.
This leaves them open for hackers to exploit, which could result in an uptick in malware, viruses and ransomware.
3 Some PCs simply cannot run Windows 11 Credit: Getty
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